Ballenger brings Breaking the Grey to Hillsdale

Wednesday

Jan 30, 2013 at 8:18 AMJan 30, 2013 at 8:18 AM

By Andy Barrand

andy.barrand@hillsdale.net HILLSDALE — With music echoing from the speakers inside the Hillsdale High School gymnasium, students entered for what wasn’t your typical school assembly Tuesday afternoon. Motivational speaker, singer and songwriter Bill Ballenger brought his multimedia specialized "Breaking the Grey" presentation to the school. With the music continuing to pulse from the speakers, one of many staff members urged students to come down and show off their dance moves. The show opened with funny videos streaming on screens in front of the gym to lighten the mood. The mood changed quickly though as Ballenger and his staff delivered their important message through song, skits and Ballenger’s own testimony. In his first school assembly with "Breaking the Grey," Addison High School graduate Brett Spencer was part of the presentation. Friends and family of Spencer were part of the audience. “I was excited, it went really smooth,” Spencer said. “I am stoked to be part of this, it is a privilege.” Spencer is an intern with "Breaking the Grey." He said he joined the group to make a positive impact on teenagers. “In high school I never imagined I would be able to get up in front of a crowd and do this,” he said. After months of practice he said it just comes naturally. The program's simple message is one of loving yourself, self-worth and letting go of the mask that hides your feelings. Before starting his portion of the program Ballenger told the students that the program is about them and not him. During Tuesday's presentation Ballenger spent time talking to the girls in the audience. His presentation dealt with beauty and making them feel good about themselves. Although the message was directed at the girls, he urged all the boys in the crowd to pay attention. “The biggest response we get on our website from people is about the ‘Beautiful’ presentation,” Ballenger said. “You wouldn’t believe how many girls have been never told they are beautiful.” As a father, Ballenger said he doesn’t go a day without reminding his daughter how beautiful she is. “You must learn to respect other people,” he told the students. He told the boys to think about how they would want their daughters treated when they have children. “Everyone has value,” Ballenger said. Ballenger closed the presentation by talking about another issue that is important to him — drugs, alcohol and making positive choices in life. He shared his story about being dragged out of his house by a SWAT team because of the path he was on. His 9-month-old daughter was taken away at that time. Ending up in prison, he said, was what changed his life. For the last eight years he has been traveling around Indiana, Michigan and the Midwest sharing his message with middle school, high school and college students. He said after being released from prison he fought to get his daughter back and that she has been a part of his life ever since. Ballenger asked the students how many of them knew someone who had died of a prescription overdose. Several students in the audience stood up. He said that is the same response he gets at every school. He left them with one message. “There is no greater high than showing someone you love them and respect them,” Ballenger said. “If this message reaches one person today it is all worth it.” After the presentation several students took the time to share their stories with Ballenger and his staff.